In the past year, Bart and I have had our eyes open for a building to purchase to house his shop, office, as well as a small gallery and preferably a tenant space to rent. We've spent countless hours going up and down our neighborhood in Oak Cliff [because who wouldn't want to bike to work] as well as all throughout the Dallas Design District and neighboring Riverfront area. No solid luck so far but it'll happen. One day. Even if we must win the Lottery first.

An unexpected side effect of the search is that I've come to love the nondescript warehouses along Irving Boulevard. What used to be shabby, rundown buildings to me, I now see in a new light: well designed, functional, beautifully executed buildings of simple means.

From the research I've done, the large majority of these buildings were built in the 1950s. Most have brick facades trimmed with stone. Today's developer would simply utilize tilt wall construction or simply expansive metal buildings as an inexpensive means to an end. Unfortunate, isn't it?

Either way, this building hunt has inspired the designer in me as I've come across renovations, urban renewal if you will, involving simple modifications to buildings in order to transform them from warehouse space to retail space as well as whole city block infill projects. More to come...

Urban renewal is a program of land redevelopment in areas of moderate to high density urban land use. -taken from Wikipedia

Simple example: This is a building in Deep Ellum which seemed to be a warehouse for years. It appears it is being renovated to accommodate retail. Outside of the awkward EIFS pilasters, it looks attractive and fits with the more industrial feel of the neighborhood.

Emily D.

4/12/2013 06:33:55 am

I've been guessing about that building as well! Interesting location, eh? Right next to city facilities, a daycare and that new, totally random sand volleyball court/bar.

Having lived in Deep Ellum when I first moved to Dallas, I can certainly say it is an eclectic neighborhood!

Bonnie G.

4/18/2013 06:44:07 am

Found my way here from the new th+a website. Love this! And have really loved watching the building pictured be transformed. I come and go from our office down Canton. Love the paint job on the day care center too! Bright and vibrant. Love your writing too!